Analytical Paragraph

Predict Mike's belief on "Doing Drugs" and why he has chosen to never take any of what he deals.

White Mike Measuring Out Narcotics

White Mike- The Dealer for the Upper East Side

White Mike, the main character in Twelve, by Nick McDonnell, is a committed drug dealer, yet does not ever do any of what he deals because of his intelligence and his desire to be level headed while everyone else around him is high. As White Mike is a dealer and constantly around users of all different types of drugs and alcohol, he is able to realize the life-altering decisions the kids make while under the influence. White Mike is incredibly intelligent, and takes a very philosophical view of life, which could help contribute to his decision of abstinence. "White Mike was a thinker, his teachers said"(88).  White Mike can philosophically and rationally process everything that is happening around him, while most other kids want a quick escape and do not consider any of the consequences of taking drugs. Alice, one of White Mikes' oldest friends, who is an alcoholic, exclaims "'I think I know why you don't drink...You like the power you have from being sober all the time around people who are fucked up'"(101). Alice's analysis speaks of the perception, understanding, clear-thinking and thus strength White Mike has while everyone else is not cognizant of their actions or even their speech. Then White Mike is a step above all of the drug users he deals to, as he is not dependent and can always keep a level head. Since the world of drug dealers is a dangerous place, the difference between being coherent or not could mean life or death. With the combination of an almost-genius brain, and the need to always be attentive and mentally above those who are using drugs and alcohol as an escape, White Mike remains clean and drug-free.